Kampala, Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni has accused the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) leader, Robert Kyagulanyi, a.ka. Bobi Wine, of ferrying what he described as “mobile audiences” across the country to artificially inflate perceived political support during the ongoing election campaign.
Speaking during a televised New Year address as Uganda ushers in 2026, Museveni said security agencies arrested individuals in Mbarara who were allegedly trailing Kyagulanyi’s campaign activities and later confessed to being part of a coordinated operation involving up to 200 vehicles.
“They confessed to being part of an operation where vehicles move people from place to place to create the impression of massive political support,” Museveni said, claiming the practice was aimed at misleading the public and provoking disorder.
The President alleged that such activities were part of broader schemes by the opposition to destabilise the country, accusing Kyagulanyi and his allies of working with what he termed “parasitic foreigners” to promote chaos.
Tear Gas Defence, Warning Against Disorder
Museveni used the same address to defend the use of tear gas by security agencies to disperse violent crowds, insisting it remains a lawful and non-lethal method of maintaining public order. “Tear gas for rioters is both legal and non-lethal. It doesn’t kill. It is much better than using live bullets,” he said.
However, the President distanced himself from physical brutality by police officers, saying practices such as beating or caning suspects must stop. “I reject the practice of caning lawbreakers; it must stop,” Museveni said, urging police to be disciplined, professional and methodical when handling public disorder.
He further advised law enforcement to issue prior warnings using loudspeakers and to protect innocent bystanders when deploying tear gas or water cannons.
Museveni also claimed that groups linked to the opposition had engaged in looting, intimidation and attacks on civilians, saying he had personally spoken to individuals who reported being assaulted. “You have no right to intimidate a Ugandan,” he said, warning that any attempts to provoke unrest would be firmly dealt with by the state.
He also dismissed comparisons between Uganda and recent youth-led protests in other countries, including Kenya, arguing that Ugandans had rejected similar calls for mass unrest.
NRM Confidence, Oil Optimism
The President said opposition momentum was weakening, citing reports of some NUP parliamentary flag bearers withdrawing from races, while expressing confidence in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Looking ahead, Museveni struck an optimistic note on the economy, announcing that Uganda expects to produce its first oil next year, a development the government says will significantly boost economic growth.
“The future of Uganda is bright,” he said. “Uganda is secure; go out and vote; NRM is unstoppable.”
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